The North Fork has long been known for its farm stands and farmers markets.
But visitors here might not realize their are also two more farmers markets in the summer just a ferry ride away on Shelter Island.
The shelves and stalls were full as local farmers and vendors kicked off the summer season on Memorial Day weekend.
The popular Havens Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Sept. 5 will reopen today for its third weekend of the summer.
The market is held rain or shine on the grounds of the Shelter Island History Center at 16 South Ferry Road, with a variety of wares to entice browsers of all ages. Booths feature everything from pickles to jewelry to wine. Cheese mongers and fish mongers provide inspiration for holiday weekend feasts.
A newer offering is 8 Knots, a line of products from designer Marcia Bayard, who staffed the booth along with her husband Benny Avni.
For products such as napkins and towels made from sustainable fabrics, or bronze bottle openers fashioned like oyster shells, Havens Farmers Market shoppers receive a 15% discount at the Market or online with code 8KHFM22 at 8knots-ShelterIsland.com through September 3.
Down the road at the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm’s Market at 21 Manwaring Road, staff members were prepared to welcome patrons to a much-expanded market space when it reopened for the season. It’s open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New this year is an outdoor patio area where produce from this year’s harvest on the educational farm can be displayed. They also moved an interior wall to open ip more space for products, including pork from the farm that’s sold alongside fruits and vegetables.
